2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Overview | |
MSRP$28,200 | MSRP$35,300 |
Listings3603 | Listings844 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2020 RAM 1500 Reviews SummaryA full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type. | |
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Reviews SummaryThe 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is plenty capable but its interior design keeps it from being a standout in the segment. Still, the Silverado 2500HD has a number of redeeming qualities that make it worthy of consideration, from comfortable accommodations to innovative camera technology. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City17 | MPG City |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine Name6.6L 401 hp V8 |
Torque269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | Torque464 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower401 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City17 | MPG City |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length98.3 in | Bed Length98.3 in |
Curb Weight4697 lbs | Curb Weight6105 lbs |
Height74.4 in | Height79.9 in |
Length231.0 in | Length235.5 in |
Width79.4 in | Width81.8 in |
Wheelbase140.5 in | Wheelbase141.6 in |
Maximum Payload1900 lbs | Maximum Payload3857 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity10680 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity18510 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity4750 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity14500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $28,200 | $35,300 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 6.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type. | The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is plenty capable but its interior design keeps it from being a standout in the segment. Still, the Silverado 2500HD has a number of redeeming qualities that make it worthy of consideration, from comfortable accommodations to innovative camera technology. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | |
Drive Train | 4X2 | |
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
MPG City | 17 | |
MPG Highway | 25 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | 6.6L 401 hp V8 |
Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | 464 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | 401 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 17 | |
MPG Highway | 25 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 98.3 in | 98.3 in |
Curb Weight | 4697 lbs | 6105 lbs |
Height | 74.4 in | 79.9 in |
Length | 231.0 in | 235.5 in |
Width | 79.4 in | 81.8 in |
Wheelbase | 140.5 in | 141.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 1900 lbs | 3857 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 10680 lbs | 18510 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 4750 lbs | 14500 lbs |
Look and feel
The 2020 Ram 1500 emerged stronger with a significant update in the form of the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine, marking a notable improvement in power, efficiency, and performance. This addition has propelled the Ram 1500 into a competitive position in the half-ton diesel pickup segment, making it a compelling option for those seeking a mix of power and efficiency. On the other hand, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, despite its capable performance and innovative features like camera technology, falls short in interior design, affecting its overall standing in the heavy-duty truck segment. However, it remains a worthy contender due to its comfortable accommodations and variety of configurations.
Performance
In terms of performance, the 2020 Ram 1500 and 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD scored 7 out of 10 and 8 out of 10, respectively. The Ram 1500 offers a range of engines, including a base V6 with a mild-hybrid system for improved fuel economy and a powerful EcoDiesel option that excels in torque and towing capacity. Despite its strengths, some may find the diesel option lacking in certain driving situations.
The Silverado 2500HD, with its choice of a potent 6.6-liter V8 gasoline or a Duramax turbodiesel engine, excels in towing capacity and payload, making it a strong performer in the heavy-duty truck segment. Its advanced transmission and towing technology provide a smooth and capable towing experience, outperforming the Ram in raw power and utility.
Form and function
When it comes to form and function, both the 2020 Ram 1500 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excel, each earning a score of 8 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. The Ram 1500 is celebrated for its innovative design, which provides a blend of class-leading torque and a towing capacity of over 12,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. Its payload and towing capabilities, coupled with an interior that sets a benchmark for comfort and utility in its class, make it a formidable contender. The truck's interior is spacious, offering more than 151 liters of storage space, and features like rear coil springs ensure a smoother ride compared to traditional setups. However, achieving the maximum towing capacity requires specific configurations, which may limit some options for potential buyers.
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD presents itself as a tower of strength, with a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds for the gasoline engine models and a slightly lower payload for the diesel versions. Its towing capacity is impressive, with the gasoline engine capable of handling up to 14,500 pounds with a conventional setup and the diesel pushing the envelope further to 18,500 pounds regardless of the trailering configuration. This makes the Silverado 2500HD a powerhouse for those who prioritize sheer work capability and versatility in their heavy-duty truck. Its form is not just about brute strength; the truck also offers a range of cab styles and bed lengths, accommodating various needs and preferences. Despite its functional prowess, the Silverado's interior and exterior design might not appeal to all, especially when compared to the more sophisticated and comfortable offerings of the Ram 1500.
In summary, both trucks offer compelling arguments in the realm of form and function. The Ram 1500 stands out for its luxurious interior and smart storage solutions, making it a great choice for both work and leisure. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD's towering towing and payload capacities cater to those who need a heavy-duty truck for the toughest jobs, despite some compromises in design and interior sophistication.
Technology
Technology scores reveal a slight advantage for the Silverado 2500HD over the Ram 1500, with ratings of 8 and 7, respectively. The Ram 1500's Uconnect system and option for a 12-inch touchscreen stand out for their ease of use and integration. However, the Silverado 2500HD, despite not being the most tech-forward, offers standard features and camera technology that enhance its utility and convenience, especially in work scenarios.
Safety
Safety is a domain where the Ram 1500 clearly outshines the Silverado 2500HD, with scores of 9 out of 10 and 5 out of 10, respectively. The Ram 1500's accolades from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), particularly with the Crew Cab model equipped with active safety features, underscore its position as a leader in safety among full-size pickups. The Silverado 2500HD, while equipped with basic safety features, lacks the advanced safety technology and ratings that the Ram 1500 boasts.
CarGurus highlights
CarGurus experts evaluated the 2020 Ram 1500 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD in the context of their own classes. The Ram 1500 averaged 7.7 points out of 10, while the Silverado 2500HD averaged 6.8. Based on these ratings, the Ram 1500 is the recommended choice for buyers looking for a blend of performance, technology, and safety in a full-size pickup truck.
Choose the 2020 RAM 1500 if:
- You value advanced safety features and high safety ratings.
- You're looking for a truck with a modern interior and innovative technology.
- Efficiency and a range of powertrain options, including a strong diesel, are important to you.
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Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD if:
- Maximum towing capacity and payload are your top priorities.
- You prefer a truck with a wide variety of configurations and special editions.
- You need advanced camera technology for towing and hauling.
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CarGurus highlights
CarGurus experts evaluated the 2020 Ram 1500 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD in the context of their own classes. The Ram 1500 averaged 7.7 points out of 10, while the Silverado 2500HD averaged 6.8. Based on these ratings, the Ram 1500 is the recommended choice for buyers looking for a blend of performance, technology, and safety in a full-size pickup truck.
Choose the 2020 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You value advanced safety features and high safety ratings.
- You're looking for a truck with a modern interior and innovative technology.
- Efficiency and a range of powertrain options, including a strong diesel, are important to you.
3603 results
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD if:
Shop Now- Maximum towing capacity and payload are your top priorities.
- You prefer a truck with a wide variety of configurations and special editions.
- You need advanced camera technology for towing and hauling.
841 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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